EAST LANSING - In the seventh of an "In Their Own Words" series of articles profiling Michigan State's 2013 recruiting class on a position-by-position basis, SpartanMag.com provides the straight quotes from Michigan State coaches about the players they signed on National Signing Day.

Today, we profiled the defensive backs position, with straight quotes from head coach Mark Dantonio and defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi on MSU's three DB signees.

Solon High's Darian Hicks (6-0, 175) and Warren Harding's Jalyn Powell (6-1, 185) are a pair of highly-regarded defenders from Ohio prioritized by Michigan State early in the recruiting process.

Powell is ranked No. 23 in Ohio and the No. 25 athlete in this year's senior class by Rivals.com. Hicks is ranked No. 48 in Ohio and No. 68 at cornerback.

A three-star corner from Florida, Justin Williams committed to Michigan State over offers from Purdue, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Cincinnati among others after taking an official visit the weekend of Jan. 18.